Gazing upon Taiping Lake, can you sense the echoes of its past? This tranquil oasis, nestled just outside the old city walls of Beijing, holds a poignant history. Taiping Lake wasn’t always a serene escape. It began as a marshy wasteland, a neglected area known as the “reed marsh.” Locals complained about the swarms of mosquitoes in summer and the flooding that turned the area into an island during heavy rains. They yearned for a transformation, a revitalization of this forgotten corner of the city.
In the spring of 1958, change finally arrived. Students, soldiers, and local residents, armed with shovels and determination, embarked on a mission to reshape the landscape. They cleared the reeds and weeds, revealing the lakebed beneath. The nearby moat provided a fresh water source, and soon, the former swamp became a beautiful artificial lake. Willow, pine, and various flowering trees lined the newly constructed pathways around the lake, creating a picturesque park. Taiping Lake, meaning “Peaceful Lake,” was born. Its distinctive infinity shape, spanned by a 30-meter wooden bridge, quickly became a popular spot for recreation and relaxation.
The eastern side of Taiping Lake boasted a pavilion, flower beds, a promenade, and even a dock. The western side offered lotus ponds, rice paddies, and a wooded area. A small island, adorned with willow trees, graced the heart of the lake, adding to its charm. Taiping Lake’s beauty attracted attention from the Beijing Film Studio. The lake became a favored location for film shoots, including the movie “Spring Comes to the Waterfront.” The lake also provided a backdrop for the rowing scene in “The Story of Liubian.” Even the thrilling air show, depicting a stormy sea in “Nameless Island,” was filmed here, with spiral propellers simulating waves.
Tragically, Taiping Lake’s tranquility was shattered in the tumultuous year of 1966. The lake became a place of discard, where people disposed of unwanted possessions, from calligraphy and paintings to porcelain and even, chillingly, a tricycle. Then came the bodies. The lake’s once-clear waters became clouded with a sinister history. The most notable victim was the renowned writer Lao She. On August 24, 1966, Lao She tragically ended his life in Taiping Lake. The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery. Some accounts suggest a confrontation with Red Guards, while others point to a desperate escape from personal turmoil. Regardless of the precise details, Lao She’s death casts a long shadow over the lake’s history. Just a few years later, in 1968, Taiping Lake itself vanished, filled with earth and debris for a military construction project. The serene oasis was gone, replaced by a stark reminder of a turbulent era.